Tubular recuperator for retort coke-ovens.



V C. H. HUGHES. TUBULAR REGUPEEATOR FOR RBTORT CGKEYOVENS.

APPLIGATIOH FILED JU'NE19,1912.

1,120,146. Ptented Dec. 8, 1914.

3 SHEBTS SHEET 1.

W/T/VZFEEEE I VE T I? 0. H. HUGHES.

TUBULAR RECUPERATOR FOR RETQRI COKE OVENS.

APPLICATION TILED 115N319, 1912.

Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

'3 BHEBTS-SHEET 3.

W 1/ I v, a m ,7 RN \K r v i N 1% N ATTORNEY,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES H. HUGHES, 0F SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO SEMETSOLVAY COMPANY, OF SOLVAY,'NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

TUBULAR RECUPERATOR FOR RETOBT COKEOVENS.

Application filed June 19, 1912.

heat interchangers for utilizing the heat of the waste or burnt gases i 'or heating the air and other elements forming the combustible mixture. 4

The invention relates particularly to an improvement in the devices shown and de-.

scribed in my former application. Serial No. 536,807. bearing date January 7, 1910.

The object of the invention is to provide novel. simple and etl ective recuperators or heat interchangers for retort coke ovens, each comprising a number of individual detachable tubular fines, which are disposed directlyin the path of, and are heated by the waste or burned gases, as they pass from the ovens to the chimneys.

A further object is to provide a tubular heat interchanger which is capable of supplying measured volumes of pre-heated air and gas to one or more ovens simultaneously. and wherein the air and gas flow uninterruptedly to the comlmstion chambers, while the products of combustion l'low uninterruptedly in one direction through each of the combustion chambers and the heat interchangers. into the chimney. thereby ohviatin; the necessity of providing any op erating dampers or other re'.'ersinf mechanisms periodically. as in many oi the ion mer systems.

A. further ohiect is to provide novei and simple means for applying each of the tubular tines. tor facilitating the instalment. as well as the ins ection and repairing of said parts. the. said means capa le of preventing damage or impairment, due to the expansion and contraction of said lines or their supports.

A i'urthcr object to improve the con struction and to reduce the number oi parts as compared with the devices shown in my former application. And a particular object of my invention is to provide a more Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

Serial No. 704,555.

direct passage for the air and gas through the interchangers to the combustion chambers, also a more direct passage for the products of combustion from the ovens to the chimney. and in addition, to conserve the fuel. and at the same time to produce a higher degree of combustion and temperature from a given quantity of fuel.

Other features and parts of the invention will be understood from the detailed description which follows, and by reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and in which- Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section substantially on line ]l of Fig. 2; showing generally the construction of one of the ovens and its individual recnperator. Fig. 2 is a broken vertical cross-section substantially on line 2 2 ol Figs. 1 and 8; showing the disposition and arrangement of. a number of ovens and recuperators united in a single structure. Fig. 3 is an enlarged dctail section; showing the construction and arrangement of one of the air or gas fines;

also showing the resilient means for holding the fine in place. Fig. 4 is a broken horizontal section taken on line 4--:t of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail section; showing a modification of the means for controlling the inlet-of the air to the tines. Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view oi the same. Fig. 7 a broken vertical longitudinal section on line 7-7 of Fig. :2; showing the arrangement of the ports which deliver the heated air and gas to the combustion chambers: also showing auxiliary piping for delivering cold gas to the combustion chainhers. Fig. 8 a v rtical longitudinal section on line 8 8 of Fig. 2; showing the adaptation of the heat interchangcr for heating the gas: also showing the means for distributing the heated gas to the combustion chambers of one or more ovens. Fig. 9 is a v :tical cross section through the gas recuperator, the gas risirs and the oven linings, taken on line O l) of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a plan section through one of the gas and air boxes. taken on line 10-l0 of Fig. 11; showing the slides for controlling the flow of gas and air to the oven linings. Fig. 11 is a vertical section of the same, taken on line 11---ll of Fig. 10.

In the drawings. 2 represents a series of longitudinal chambers which are disposed parallel to each other, and these are separated by means of vertical partitions or walls 3.

4 represents the coke ovens or chambers which are disposed within the chambers 2, and these are each inclosed on their four sides by the usual oven linings a, and 7. The opposite side-linings 5 are preferably hollow, and subdivided into a number of similar combustion conduits or passages 8, arranged one above the other, which extend the full length of the oven cavities 4:, and these conduits communicate successively at their opposite ends, by means of ports 9, for the passage of the products of combustion and gas and air, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1. Under this arrangement the combustible mixture or fluid which is supplied to the right hand end of the uppermost conduit 8, will pass to the left, and thence downwardly through one of the ports 9 into the next conduit, thence to the:

right, and so on, back and forth in a continuous flow, until it reaches a sub-chamber 10, which is arranged directly beneath, and by means of which, the bottom 7 of each of the ovens is heated. After the burnt gases enter the chamber 10, they pass horizontally to the opposite end and then downwardly tl'irough a vertical passage 11 and enter another horizontal chamber 12, which is arranged between the walls 3 and horizontal partitions 13 and 14. From the chambers 12, the gases are discharged into a common chimney 15, which receives the waste products of all the ovens, and which may follow any of the usual constructions. 1.6 represents a second vertical discharge passage which connects the opposite ends of the chambers 10 and 12. The passages 11 and 16 are controlled by sliding gates or dampers 17 and 18 which are preferably operated for alternately opening and closing the passages 11 and 16, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Fig. 1.

ln ovens of this type, the coal is supplied to the coking chambers lby gravity through charging ports 4', where it is burned or cokcd by means of a combustible gas. which is usually supplied to the linings of the ovens by pipes. as 19. which pass through walls 20, which close the opposite ends of the oven linings 5. The gas em- PlQYPd for coking the coal is mixed with air for the purpose of. supplying the requisite amount of oxygen for completing the combustion, and in ordinary practice the air is preheated before it reaches the conduits 8 and mingles with the gas. .In the present invention, both the gas and air are heated before they are delivered to the combustion chambers, by series of novel and simple heat-interchangers or recuperato which will now be described,

Fo convenience in explaining my impm'ement, l have illustrated a battery of which may be made out of fire-clay or any other refractory substances, or may consist of metah or a suitable composition. The ilues 21 are preferably arranged vertically in the chambers or passages 12 directly in the path of the hot whste gases, which impinge against and envelop and heat the said flucs. The preferred. arrangement of the tubes 21 is illustrated in Fig. 4, where they are shown disposed in a number of staggered rows. Referring to Fig. 3, the tubes 21 pass upwardly througlrperforations 22 formed in the lower partitions 14, while their upper ends enter sockets 23 which are formed in the lower ends of a series of thimbles 24, which are. carried by the upper partitions 13. The bore of the thimbles 24 is preferably the same as that of the. tubes 21. The thimbles 24 are preferably molded or cast out of fire'clay or other suitable substances, which will stand a high temperature, and these parts are then set in the masonry comprising the partitions 13. Each thimble is provided with a circumferential flange or rib 24, which serves to prevent the displacing of said parts, and at the same time the said flange tends to prevent the leakage of the air or gas around the thimbles. Furthermore, by the use of the thimbles, in case the upper partition 13 burns out or otherwise becomes impaired,

at the intersection of the fines 21, the

trouble may be quickly remedied by removing and replacing the thimbles.

25 represents a packing, preferably asbestos, which disposed between the upper ends of the tubes and the thimbles.

The perforations 22 in the partitions 14 are preferably in the form of inverted funnels, the smallest diameter of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the tubes 21, so as to allow for the lateral expansion of the said tubes when heated up.

26 represents asbestos or similar packing rings which surround the pipes 21 and fill the perforations 22. The packings 25 and 26 prevent the escape of the unburnt as well as the Waste gases through the partitions 13 and 14, and at the same time serve to cushion the tubes 21, thus preventing the harder substances comprising the tubes and partitions from contacting with each other. The tubes 21 being disposed in the chambers 12 directly in the course of the waste or burnt gases as they pass from the ovens to the chimney, may be heated to any desired extent, thereby providing a convenient, effective and economical men, 1 for pre-heating the air and the gas, both of which are preferably admitted to the lower ends of the tubes 21, by means of horizontal tunnels or passages 27 and 27, which are arranged beneath and parallel to the chambers 12, and which communicate with the atmosphere by means of inlet openings 28 at one end of the tunnels. The inlets 28 of the tunnels 27 are normally open for the admission of the air to the lines 21, and the volume of air allowed to ass through each of the said fines is contro led by regulating devices which will later be described.

' The intermediate recuperator B, is intended only for heating the gas, and the latter fluid is supplied to the lower ends of the 'tubes 21 by means of a common main 29,

which is disposed at one side of the tunnel, to which is connected a series of lateral branches 30, which deliver the gas to the individual flues 21 by means of angular pipes i 31 and nozzles 32. The nozzles 32 preferably extend part Way into the tubes 21 (see dotted lines Fig. 5), and are detachably connected to the pipes 31 by means of unions 33. By this arrangement the nozzles may be disconnected and the pipes 31 swung to one side or the other, so as to permit the removal, insertion or repairing of the tubular fines.

3 represents valves disposed in the pipes 31 for controlling the flow of the gas into the heating flues.

The gas for one or more of the recuperators B is supplied by a common main 35, which connects with the main 29 by a vertical pipe 36. The. opening 28 at the end of the tunnel 27 beneath the gas recuperator is preferably tightly closed by a door 37 through which the main 29 passes. The object of this door is to prevent any air entering the tunnel and mixing with and igniting the gas while it is being heated.

In. my former application referred t the air tubes, corresponding to the tines ll of the present device, .are disposed vertically and pass through an upper, an intermediate, and a lower partition in which said tul'ics are closely fitted in vertically alined apertures in the three partitions; Owing to the high temperature of the two waste gas chambers lying between these three partitions, there is a greater expansion and coir traction of the intermediate partition than of the upper and lower partitions. This produces a dangerous strain upon the middle portion of the air tines. causing the aid flues to bend or warp to such extent that it ditlicult to either insert or remove the said parts. l urthermore. the said train fie rect chamber or pas sage, as 19, f or the waste gases to pass from the ovens to the chimneys. Under this arrangement, in connection with resilient securing means which are applied to the lower ends oi the air tines 21, a higher efiiciency is attained and at the same time less labor and expense of main tenance are entailed. The elimination of one partition and one of the chambers in each heat-interchanger, as described, results in a less tortuous course for the products of combustion, which tends to strengthen the draft, thereby producing a higher temperature in the oven linings, as well as, in the waste chambers 10 and 12, and the tines 21. This effects a more rapid coking of the coal. Furthermore by thus increasing the temperature, a more perfect combustion of the fuel is effected, resulting generally in a more expeditious and a more economical operation of the coking system. On the other hand, by the elimination of the middle partitions of my former recuperators, I am able to employ the tubular flues 21 for heating the gas, without dangerpf the said fines cracking or breaking. whichv would allow the gas to become ignited and wasted before it reaches the combustion conduits.

During the coking operations the air and gas pass respectively through the tubes 21 and the thimbles 24. of the interchangcrs A and B, into longitudinal chambers 35) and 39, which are arranged between the partitions 13 and the. bottoms -10 of the chambers 1 'l he opposite ends of the chambers 3. and 39 are closed by walls 11. From the chambers 39 the heated air passes through ducts or risers i2 and ill. to the opposite ends of the ovens i. The heated gas passes from the chambers 35 through similar ducts or risers 4i and -15 to the opposite ends of the ovens i. The risers 42, 43, ll and 45 are all disposed in the walls 13 which sepa rate the adjacent ovens. As the air and gas rise in their respective ducts, they flow continuously and discharge into the corresponding conduits of the adjacent linings 5 of the ovens. through ports it) and 47. and under the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and R the said ports a re so disposed that the mixing of the prc-h catcd air and gas takes place immediately upon the discharging of the said clcincnts into the onduits i. In order to promote a continuous and perfect combustion. as well as an even heating of the coking chambcrs throughout their length and height. the separately heated gas and air are dclivcrcd successively to the sc cral conduits 8 through the ports l6 and 4-7, as best seen in Figs. 1 and ll ndcr this arrangement the ombustible mixture is simultaneously and continuously relayed for boosting the charge at the entrance of each of the conduits 9. By this provision all parts of the ovens can be heated to the same extent, and a direct and even draft main.- tained throughout the combustion chambers.

Owing to the fact that more or less expansion and contraction takcs'place in the lines 21, the same as in other parts of the oven structure during the operating periods, I provide adjustable resilient means for bolding each of the lines 21 in place. These means comprise floating plates which have counter-sunk perforations 5-1 in which the correspondingly shaped lower ends of the tubes or ilues are iitted, as in sockets, the clear diameter of the said perforations being preferably the same as the bore of the fines. Then at the opposite sides of each flue are disposed screws or bolts 52, which preferably pass through plates 53 and are made fast in a common plate 5 which is rigidly mounted on the under side of each partition Ll. The bolts 52 are preferably threaded their wholejength and pass loosely through suitable perforations in the plates 50 and 53. The plates 53 are employed for holding the packing rings '2; in place, and these plates are held in place by coil springs 55 which are disposed between the plates 50 and 53. The springs 55 are of suilicient strength to hold the packings 26 in place for preventing leakage of the gases through the partition. 56 represents a stitl'er coil spring, which is fitted on the lower free end of each of the bolts 52, one end of said spring hear ing against the underside of the plate 50, while the other end of said spring engages a washer 57 which is held in place by a nut 58. Under this arrangement and construc tion each of the fines 21 is supported and held in place by tension plate 30, a pair of springs 56, a pair of washers 5'? and a pair of nuts 58, and any desired tension may be given to the latter springs by the manipulation of the said nuts. By the provision of the springs 56, the linear expansion and contraction of the lines "21 is taken care of, and there is little danger of the tines either warping or breaking on account oi the heating and cooling off of said parts. The. vertical arrangement of the tubes 21, coupled with the resilient securing means also lessens the tendency of the lines to become distorted, because the entire weight of the flues is sup ported by the tension plates 50, and these plates will yield whenever any linear strain is exerted. To withdraw one of the fines 2i for repairs or otlier\vise the attendant should remove the nuts, washers, springs and the floating plate 50. after which the tube may be Withdrawn downwardly from the chamber 12 into the tunnels :27 and 27. To repair a single flue, it is not necessary to shut down the ovens, as the attendant may enter the air or gas tunnels at any time and remove a. flue without interrupting the cokin; operation. In case it is desired to generally repair or overhaul one of the recuperators, the sliding gate 18 should. be opened, and the gate 17 should be closed, after which a third gate 59 should be named upwardly through the partition 14 for closing the chamber 12. When the three gates or dampers have been operated. as last iii scribed, the waste gases wili pass directly from the chamber 10 through the passage 16, and thence into the chimney 1:3, without coming into contact with any of the fines 321.

For the purpose 'of regulating the amount of air to be preheated, each of the fines 21 is preferably equipped with a pivoted gate or valve 60, which is carried by the plate 50, shown in Figs. 5 and 6. By the use of the gates or checks 60 the inflow of the air may be regulated to suit the requirements of the combustion. Any other suitable regulating device may be used. instead of the gate 60, and l have illustrated a. modification of the said device which comprises a tubular bushing (31, as shown in Fig. 3. Under this latter form of the reducer, a number of the plugs 61 may be provided for each flue wherein the openings through the plugs may he graduated for varying the volume of the air admitted to the fines 62 represents a clip or a catch carried by ea ch plate 50 for holding the bushing 61 in place.

In the gas recuperator B. the gates 60 car ried by the tension plates 50 are perforated at (30 for allowing the insertion of the nozzles 32 which conduct the gas to the tines 21. In this case no adjustment of the gates (if) is required, for the reason that the sup ply of gas is regulated by the valves 3-1.

it represents ports through the walls 20, uhich coiiimiinii'aite with the air and gas ris rs. and which are closed by mo ble plugs 35. and 66 represents the slides which are disposed in said ports, and these are adapted to be moved back and forth horizontally for controlling the flow of both air and gas from the ducts or risers to the combustion conduits 8. The object of the ports 6-1 is to permit the flue-operator to examine and regulate the lame in the combustion chambers duriii the coking operations. The slides 66 are usually disposed at the receiving ends of the combustion conduits, as best seen in Fig. 8.

The gas pipes 19 at one end of the furnace also connect with the main 35. Under this arrangement, if it becomes necessary t shut down the recuperator 11 for extensive repairs, the gas may be shut off from the main by means of the valve 38, and the gas may be turned on to the pipes 1 Then by opening the damper; 1S and closing the dampers 17 and 59. the ovens may all be 12a operated without ire-heating the gas and without loss of time, until the repair v to the recuperator B are completed. 35 we sents a second gas niain locatil :t is; site end of the furnace to which tin spending pipes 19-are connected for supply ing unheated gas to the opposite ends of the chambers 8, while the recuperator 13 is shut down.

In practice, there are usually thirty or forty coke ovens which are closely arranged in block, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 9, and when applying my improven'ient to coking furnaces of this class, the recuperators A and B are preferably arranged alternately, as shown. Under this arrangement the re cuperators B supply the pre-heated gas to the adjacent linings 5 of three of the coking ovens. I

It is obvious that the gas supply pipes '29, 30, 31 and may he removed from the tunnel 27, and that the recuperator B may be utilized for pro-heating air the same as the recuperators A. and in such case the gas may be supplied to the combustion chambers 8 by means of the auxiliary pipes 19.

By the use of my recuperators A and B, associated with. the feature of the direct and uninterrupted firing, there is less deteriora tion of the furnace generally, due to the fact that during the entire coking operation, there is practically no change or variation in the heat of combustion, and therefore the range of expansion and contraction and the 'ear and tear of the parts of the furnace are reduced to a minimum. Further more, by the novelty and simplicity of the construction and arrangement of the heat interchangers, and the shortening of the course of the waste gases from the ovens to the chimney, I am able to utilize the strong suction which is usually employed for creating the draft throughout the entire system, in a more direct way, thereby producing a higher degree of teniperature in the combustion conduits. as well as in the waste passages. This results in a more rapid and economical coking of the coal, which is very desirable. At the same time owing to the feature of the direct and. uninterrupted flow of the pre-heated air and gas to the combustion chambers. and. the steady and uninterrupted flow of the products of combustion through all of the chambers to the chimney a normally high temperature may be maintained with little or no variation throughout the entire coking o erations.

The recuperating means herein shown and described are extremely simple and are highly ethcient. Coking ovens equipped with my improvement, may be constructed and maintained at less cost, are rendered more durable and quicker acting, and require less attention, renewal and repair, than any other type of furnaces known to Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent. is-

1. A heat-interchanger, comprising spaced horizontal partitions, each provided with a series of vertically alining apertures, a tubular thinible disposed incach of the apertures in the upper partition, the lower ends of said thimbles provided with sockets, onepiece flues piercing the apertures in the lower partition and extending vertically across the space between said partitions, the upper ends of said fines nesting in the sockets of said thimbles, and perforated tension-plates disposed beneath and spaced from the lower partition. adapted to receive the lower ends. and to hold the said lines, in engagement with said thimbles.

2. A heat interchanger. comprising upper and lower partitions spaced apart from each other, and each provided with a series of vertically alining apertures, thimbles disposed in the apertures of the upper partition, the lower ends of said thimbles provided with sockets, one-piece fines disposed in the apertures of the lower partition and extending across the space between said partitions, the upper ends of said llues nesting in the sockets of said thimbles, a perforated tension plate adapted to support the weight of each of said dues, and a series of springs coiiperating with said plates for resiliently holding said flues in place.

3. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens. the combination with upper and lower spaced partitions each having vertically alining apertures. and a series of thimbles disposed in the apertures of the upper partitions, of a series of tubes piercing the lower partition adapted for carrying a fluid through the space between said partitions for preheat- ,9: said fluid. the upper ends of said tubes ihterfitting with said thimbles, spring controlled means applied to the lower ends oi said tubes adapted for maintaining the connection between said tubes and said thimbles, and means for supplying measured volumes of the fluid to the lower end of each of said tubes.

4. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens. the combination, with upper and lower spaced partitions each having vertically alining apertures, and a series of thimblcs disposed in the apertures titions, of a series of tubes extending ver-- tically through the lower partition adapted for carrying a fluid through the space between said partitions for pro-heating said fluid, the upper ends of said tubes interfitting with said thimbles, spring controlled means applied to the lower ends of said tubes adapted for maintaining the connection between said tubes and said thimbles, and means for increasing and decreasing the linear tension on said tubes.

5. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens. the combination with upper and lower spaced partitions, and a series of thimbles piercing the upper partition, of a series of of the upper parllD tubes piercing the lower partition at points alining with said thimbles, adapted for carrying a fluid through the space between said partitions for pre-heating said fluid, the upper ends of said tubes inserted in sockets formed in the lower ends of said thimbles, for rendering said tubes removable without disturbing other parts of the recuperators, spring controlled means cxerting pressure for maintaining the conuce tion between' said. tubes and said thimbles, and means for removing, replacing and repairing the said tubes without requiring the shutting down of the furnace.

6. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens, upper and lower partitioi'is spaced apart from each other, each of said partitions having vertically alined apertures arranged in staggered rows, bushings in the apertures of the upper partition, tubes capable ofbeing inserted upwardly through the apertures in the lower partition and entering the lower ends of said bushings, adapted to be heated by waste gases passing between said partitions, means for directing measured jets of fluid into the lower ends of said tubes for pie-heating said fluid while passing upwardly from one partition to the other, and resilient means for supporting and holding said tubes in place.

7. A heat--interchanger, comprising upper and lower partitions spaced apart from each other, and each provided with a series of vertically alining apertures, the apertures in the lower. partition being funnel shaped, thimbles disposed in the apertures in the upper partition, the lower ends of said thimbles provided with sockets, one-piece flues vertically arranged in the apertures in the lower partition and extending across the space between said partitions, the upper ends of said flues nesting in the sockets of said thimbles, packing washers for sealing the joint between said fines and said thimblcs, packing rings for sealing the perforations in said lower partition, and a perforated tension-plate disposed beneath and spaced from the lower partition. adapted to receive the lower end, and to support the weight, of each of said lines.

8. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens, the combination of upper and lower partitions spaced apart from each other. and each having vertically alining apertures, thimides ,disposed in the apertures of the upper partition, the said thinibles proviled with tockcts arranged concentric to the apertures in 1h loner partition,one-piece tubular lines adapted to be ins rted upwari l through the lower partition. the upper t n-ls of said lin s received by the sockets of said i la th said fines arranged. in stia'gerwi ro and each spanning the space betv -n mid pa ittions, a permanent plat mounted on the underside; of the lower pi;1"ion. i

bolts carried by said plate and depending the opposite sides of each of said fines, a floating-plate loosely mounted on each pair of said bolts, said lloat-ingplates having counter-sunk pcrlbrations for receiving the lower ends of said lines, and a pair of springs adapted to exert their tension against each of the said floating-plates for yieldingly holding said lines in place.

9. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens, the combination of upper and lower partitions spaced apart and each having vertically alined apertures therethrough, means for heating the space between said partitions,onepiece detachable tubular fines arranged vertically in the apertures of the lower partition. a portion of said fines projecting below the lower partition, thimble bushings in the apertures of the upper pa rtitionand having sockets in their lower ends to receive the upper ends of said fines, means for forcing cold fluid upwardly through said fiues for pro-heating said fiuid while it passes from the lower partition to the upper partition. a series of springs mounted on the underside of the lower partition adapted to exert their tension for holding said lines in place, and a valve for regulating the volume of the fluid which passes upwardly through each of said flues.

10. In a recuperator for retort coke ovens,

the combination with the upright walls and top and bottom partitions forming the horizontal waste gas passage, the said partitions having a number of vertically alining perforations, of thimbles disposed concentii cally in the perforations in the top partition. one-piece tubular flues disposed vertically in the perforations in the bottom partition, said flues projecting across the space between said partitions, their lower ends extending below the bottom partition, and the upper ends of said flues inserted in the lower ends of said thimbles. tensionplates for receiving the lower ends of said lines, bolts de 'icnding from the bottom partition and piercing said tension-plates, nuts carried by said bolts. and a cushion spring carried by each of said bolts, said spring; disposed betw en said nuts and said tenslim-plates, adap'ied to exert their tension for holding said fines in place and for permitting said plates to yield during the expansion and contraction of "aid fines.

ll. In a continuous; hmu'inh r hargirr For retort coke oven the combiunf r-n illi a lower, an llilXI'll'IW-lifiit,fillrl an upper pas sage, said passag'is arranged horiyontall r and parallel to each other. oi an ippi-r and a lower nartilior; separating said interim liaii pa sage from iiu. upp r and l wer 'p' sr sna es. each of said pal-iii: :ns hating 'llf' allv alii'u'd apertures ana'rd in staggered :mfst. lush ngs disposed -.n the apertures: ol' t..e upper partition, one'piece tubes discoke ovens, comprising a plurality of tubular flues, a horizontal partition having perforations to receive said flues, thimbles to receive the upper ends ofvsaid fines, said thimbles spaced vertically fromsaid partition and coinciding with the perforations in said partition, plates having sockets to receive the lower ends of said fines, bolts de pending from said partition and piercing said plates, springs carried by said bolts adapted to exerting their power for holding said fines in engagement with said thimbles, the said springs capable of yielding during 'the linear expansion of said fines, for preventing warping and breaking of said fines. means for heating said flues, and means for continuoiisly supplying a fluid to the lower ends of said fines to be pre-heated while passing upwardly through said fines and said thimbles.

13. In means for supplying pre-heated,

air and gas to retort coke ovens, the combination with an upper, an intermediate and a lower ehambtr, of a partition separating the upper and intermediate chambers, said partition having a series of perforations, a thimble disposed in each of said perform tions, the lower ends of said thimbles having sockets, a second partition for separattions alining with the openings in said thiming the intern'wdiz-ite and lower chambers, said partition having a series of perforables, one-piecc tubular fines piercing the second partition, their upper ends disposed in the sockets of said thimbles, the lower ends of said ilues rojeoting into the lower chamber, means or admitting measured volumes of fluid from the lower chamber into the lower ends of said fines, means for pre-heating said fluid while it flows through. the said fines to the upper chamber, and means for increasing and decreasing the volume of the fluid which passes through each of said flues.

14. A pre-heater for gas and air, comprising a number of tubular fines disposed vertically in staggered rows, a horizontal wall provided with perforations for receiving said flues, a second wall arranged above and parallel to the first wall, tubular thimbles carried by said second wall. and alining with the said fines, the lower end of each thimble provided with a. socket for receiving the upper end of the cnrrcspondii'ig flue. an apertured plate disposed across the lower end of each of said fines, adapted for warning: the entire weight oi the flue carried by said. bolts adapted to exert their tension against said plates for holding said fines in on; gcmcnt with said thimh said springs and said plates capable of yielding toward and away from said first wall during the linear expansion and contraction of said fines,

15. A continuous recuperator for retort coke ovens, comprising a. series of reinov able flucs, a horizontal partition ha ring perforations to receive said lines, thimhios to receive the upper ends ol said fines, said thimbles spaced vertically from said parti tion and alining with the perforatiinis in said partition, perforated plates arranged below said partition having sockets to ceive the lower ends of said tines, bolts depending from said partition and piercing said plates, and springs carried by said bolts adapted for exerting their power r holding said dues in engagement with t i i. thimbles, the said springs adapted to yaw during the linear expansion of said fines, for preventing warping and breaking of said fines. t p

16. The combination with upper and lower spaced partitions, each having vertically alined apertures, of a series of tubes extending through the lower partition, adapted to carry a fluid through the space between said partitions for preheating said fluid, means for interfitting the upper ends of said tubes with the upper partition, and spring-controlled means carried by the lower partition for holding said tubes in place.

17. A heat interchanger, comprising spaced partitions. each having apertures alining vertically, detachable dues piercing the apertures of the lowermost partition and extending vertically and connecting with the uppermost partition, plates disposed. beneath the lowermost partition for supporting said lines, and springs adapted for pressing said plates against the lower ends oi said lines and for resiliently holding said fines against the uppermost partition.

In. testimony whereof I ailix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES H HU i-l ES Witnesses:

WM. C. AHDRRSOE, HARRY l3 dv'aiinier.

s rarried in said first all, and springs li il 

